If you arrive at a scene with a sign stating "Poisonous Gas," what is your first action?

In a situation where a sign indicates the presence of "Poisonous Gas," the first action an EMT should take is to request assistance. This approach prioritizes personal safety and the safety of others. Poisonous gases can pose immediate and severe health risks, including respiratory distress, incapacitation, or even death. By calling for assistance, the EMT ensures that trained hazardous materials (HazMat) responders or other specialized teams can assess the situation, establish a safe perimeter, and implement decontamination protocols if necessary.

Furthermore, without proper equipment and training to handle hazardous materials, the EMT could inadvertently expose themselves and others to danger by attempting to enter the area or intervene directly. Requesting assistance from professionals equipped to assess and manage hazardous material situations will lead to a safer and more effective response to the incident.